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Transcript of Socratic Seminar, Session 1

Getting Students Engaged in the Big Ideas What is it? How do I Introduce in the Classroom?Socratic SeminarText:

The Pledge of AllegianceMini-SeminarPrep-Work: Opening Question: Socratic Seminar is a facilitated group dialogue about the ideas in a text.What is Socratic Seminar?the text the opening question

the leader the participantsThe goal of a Seminar is to arrive at a shared, deeper understanding of the ideas within text. What's the point of Socratic Seminar?There are four main elements to Socratic Seminar:The TextAre there any resources for choosing text?The Opening QuestionWhat should it be about?The LeaderWho is the leader?The ParticipantsWhat are the responsibilities of the participants?Covered in the next 2 sessions:Suggestions for choosing text and samples of text for different subject areasStrategies for generating an opening question for Socratic SeminarExamples of how to design student prep work assignmentsProcedures for running a Socratic SeminarSuggestions for preparing students for participation in Socratic SeminarExamples of effective questions for facilitating Socratic Seminar Ways to build reflection into Socratic SeminarIdeas for the assessment of a SeminarStrategies for dealing with too-quiet or too-chatty students

What does a Socratic Seminar look like?define "pledge," "allegiance," "republic," "nation," "indivisible," "liberty," and "justice."read the texts carefullyHow is The Pledge of Allegiance a duty, a dream, and a goal?Respond to the following question in complete sentences. Be sure to reference the text directly in support of your response.What kind of text?How do I choose a text?

able to stimulate extended, thoughtful dialogueA Seminar Text Should Be . . . rich in ideas, issues and/or valuesSeminar Texts Can be Drawn From . . . readings in or connected to your content area

including: literature, history, science, math, health, philosophy, art, music* A good Seminar text raises important questions in the participants minds for which there are no right or wrong answers. ** Content you teach* Common Core Appendix* Touchstones booksWho writes it?How should it be formatted?The Opening Question should . . . * Be something the facilitator/leader is genuinely interested in/curious about.* Lead the participants back to the text as they speculate, evaluate, define, clarify.* The Opening Question should be posed by the leader.* With more experience, participants can write and submit Opening Questions. * Have no right answer.* Engage participants in the bigger ideas or values in the text.* Begin an evolving dialogue.In the Opening Question . . . * Remind participants to refer back to the text (use specific textual evidence)* Avoid Yes/No questions; focus on open-ended inquiries * Use the "big ideas"

- Be sure to post the question in the classroom and review it aloud with students. -* Be specific

about what you want them to produce.What are the responsibilities of the leader?Until you and your class are comfortable with Socratic Seminar, YOU should be the Seminar leader.Once your class is more experienced with Socratic Seminar, you could elect students to become leaders of Seminars.Responsibilities of the LeaderWho are the participants?Your students! (and you!)take away:REFLECT!take away: Follow the Ground Rulestake away:Prepare the TEXTWith smaller classes: 1 circle with a chair for every student & teacherWith larger classes: 2 circles (inner/outer)